Impending Amputation? Homeopathy Helps In Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFUs)

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFUs) is a common complication arising due to uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. The poorly controlled diabetes mellitus or untreated diabetes can lead to serious health complications, and one who has Diabetic foot ulcer have an increased risk of major amputation of the part below the knee, as the ulcer does not respond to antibiotics and if the wound management is not effective. DFU is the most common complication and concern arising due to diabetes mellitus.

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) statistics, presently, every seven seconds, someone is estimated to die from diabetes or its complications. And, 50% of those deaths (4 million in total per year) occur of individuals who are under the age of 60 years. Diabetes is on the rise across the globe as reported in the most recent 9^th edition of the IDF Diabetes Atlas 2019. About 463 million individuals (in the age-group of 20-79 years) have diabetes, and, by 2045, this number may rise to 700 million. As per the study of the Arogya world in India, it is estimated that 61.3 million people aged from 20 to 79 years are living with diabetes in India. By 2030, this number of diabetic individuals is expected to rise to 101.2 million. And, according to the University of Michigan, Diabetic Foot ulcer (DFU) is a common condition & estimated to affect 15% of all diabetic individuals during their lifetime.

The major causes of diabetic foot are higher than normal levels of blood sugar levels, the poor blood supply to the feet and legs, and the nerve damage due to uncontrolled blood sugar levels.

Conventionally, the successful homeopathic treatment for diabetic foot ulcers consists of debridement that is the removal of necrotic tissue and foreign bodies, total contact casting (offloading), a cast used in diabetic foot patients to take the weight off the foot, and controlling the infection by giving antibiotics.

Homeopathic medicines help in the management of diabetic foot ulcers and gangrene, and, hence, amputation can be prevented. According to NCBI, evidence suggests that alteration of the biochemical milieu of the chronic wound plays a significant role in diabetic wound healing impairment. So, Homeopathic medicines improve the blood circulation to the foot through the collateral arteries. The improved oxygen supply to the tissues induces angiogenesis, stimulates fibroblasts, the activity of collagen synthesis, and promotes antimicrobial effects; thus, it helps in healing. However, it is advisable to take the Homeopathic medicines from an expert professional Homeopath. One should not treat the diabetic foot ulcers without the proper knowledge of surgery.

A few commonly used Homeopathic medicines in the cases of Diabetic ulcers are Crotalus Horridus, Lachesis, Calendula, Secale cor, Tarentula Cubensis, Anthracinum, Hepar Sulph, Carbo veg, and more.

The best way to prevent the development of foot ulcers is to take proper foot care. So, check your feet daily to see if there are any cuts, redness, or swelling. Protect your feet from infection by keeping the feet area dry, as the wet feet promote the environment for bacterial growth. Always wear shoes, and do not go barefoot. Stop smoking if you are a smoker, as smoking inhibits proper circulation to the legs and delays wound healing. Last, but not the least, it is important to keep your sugar levels under control. Along with the homeopathic medicines, follow a healthy diet and practice exercise. Like other disorders, Diabetes also responds positively to active lifestyle changes.